Attempted eMTB theft off Thule rack at traffic light on N2 Somerset West

[ChrisO]

Just a heads up.

The past weekend I was traveling to Hermanus on the N2 with my eMTB on the bike rack, at the rear of my car. It's a platform 3 bike carrier (Thule). 

I was stopped at the 1st traffic lights coming from the Cape Town side going into the Somerset West commercial area, on the N2, just past the mall on the right. A man came up the car, tried to force the bike off the rack, but failed as it was locked and firmly secured (luckily!). The driver behind me helped to intervene and we managed to chase the would be thief away. He was quite aggressive, but backed off. According to the other driver this has been happening more and more, bikes being targeted on bike racks while in slow moving or standing traffic, in this area.

So keep a look out riders, secure those bikes, be sure to lock them on as well. 

Edited October 3, 2025 by ChrisO

[MORNE]

I always used the biggest most visible cable lock in addition to the claws on those racks. Those claws / clamps are so easy to break and their locks mean nothing. So easy to just slip a frame out too, these days with carbon bikes most people wont crank those down hard anyway. A visible 10-12mm cable lock snaked through the frame, wheels and rack should at least serve as a deterrent for opportunistic traffic light shoppers. 

Edited October 3, 2025 by MORNE

[I FLY]

21 minutes ago, MORNE said:

I always used the biggest most visible cable lock in addition to the claws on those racks. Those claws / clamps are so easy to break and their locks mean nothing. So easy to just slip a frame out too, these days with carbon bikes most people wont crank those down hard anyway. A visible 10-12mm cable lock snaked through the frame, wheels and rack should at least serve as a deterrent for opportunistic traffic light shoppers. 

I have a large D- lock plus thick cable which I use to lock bikes onto Thule rack. I try to secure the cable to the towbar as well. 

Edited October 3, 2025 by I FLY
Grammer

[Robbie Stewart]

I drive around with mine hanging over the rear load bin without it being tied down. I suppose those days are well and truly over it seems.

[Milosh]

Grr, this makes you mad, thank you for the heads up  

[cadenceblur]

I have recently also taken to locking my Thule knobs , even if just taking bike to my mechanic, 

Sickening

Give yourselves space to move forward and then reverse guys - perhaps teach one of the scum a lesson

[ChrisO]

16 minutes ago, cadenceblur said:

I have recently also taken to locking my Thule knobs , even if just taking bike to my mechanic, 

Sickening

Give yourselves space to move forward and then reverse guys - perhaps teach one of the scum a lesson

Good tips thanks, both the space and the lesson!